Southern California -- this just in

3 arrested in killing of 19-year-old magician known as 'El Magnifico'

May 1, 2010 | 8:12
am

Adrian Ramos was only 19, but he was already making a name for himself as a magician: El Magnifico. He performed at Hollywood's Magic Castle at age 9 and had also made TV appearances, including on "The Tonight Show with Jay Leno."

But on Wednesday, as he was walking home from a class at Fullerton College with a guitar strapped on his back, he was approached by a group of men.

According to Anaheim police, he was gunned down in a robbery attempt. He was a mile from his home. The assailants made off with his wallet.

On Friday, police announced the arrests of three suspects: Aquiles Sanchez, 20, Edgar Raul Salgado, 20, and a 15-year-old juvenile. They are being held on suspicion of homicide.

His family has been holding a vigil at their home and at the site of his shooting.

The family said he was a talented magician at a young age, doing card and coin tricks. He performed at charity events before getting the call to do the "Tonight Show."

“He was always surprising me with his talents. He really was magnificent, which is how he got his nickname,” his father, Jorge Ramos, told the Orange County Register.